2026 will see a slew of changes in the UAE as the government implements reforms in policies, infrastructure projects and tax laws.
Friday prayer time
One of the key changes that came into effect on January 2 was the Friday prayer timings. Friday sermons in the UAE are now held at 12.45 pm, according to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat.
On Fridays, schools will have to close by 11.30 am. This will be effective from January 9, 2026.
Legal adulthood
UAE has introduced a new civil law that will see the legal age of adulhood reduce from 21 lunar years as per Islamic Hijri calendar to 18 Gregorian years. This is to adhere to international standards.
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A person age 18 in the UAE can now manage and dispose of their assets, enter binding contracts, make independent decisions and litigate in their own name.
SMS OTPs to be phased out
UAE banks have started phasing out SMS-based OTPs for online transactions. Customers will now have to authenticate payments via the bank app. This is aimed at enhancing security against SIM swapping and phishing.
Single-use plastic ban
UAE has banned single-use plastic across the Emirate from January 1, including beverage cups and lids, plastic cutlery, plates, straws, stirrer, Styrofoam food containers etc. Paper bags thinner than 50 micron are also banned.
VAT law amended
The amended VAT law, which came into effect on January 1, has eased compliance rules for businesses, including removing the need to self-invoice under reverse charge mechanism. However, standard transaction records have to be maintained.